2010 Updated Legislation
Oklahoma: SB 1798 prohibits the private possession or breeding of large cats and their hybrids, bears and all non-primates
Update: Unfortunately this bill failed in committee.
Bill Description: These exotic animals, by their very nature, can exhibit unpredictable and aggressive behavior and cannot be tamed. There are numerous reported incidents of their escapes and attacks on people and other animals. Many of these incidents tragically involve children. At Born Free USA, we have compiled databases of thousands of such incidents involving exotic animals.
Vermont: S 113 Bans Coyote Contest Hunts
Update: Unfortunately this bill has died.
Bill Description: This bill bans coyote hunting competitions,
Defined as contests in which "people compete in the capturing or taking of coyotes for a prize or recognition based on the size, quality, or number of animals taken." We fully support your effort to end these inhumane contests.
Not only are these contests cruel and the cause of great suffering for coyotes, they are not appropriate or effective wildlife management tools, contrary to the arguments of many hunters.
Missouri: HB 1288 & SB 832 Establish the Large Carnivore Act
Update: This bill is still active but the next hearing has been set.
Bill Description: This bill establishes the Large Carnivore Act which regulates the ownership, possession, and breeding of large carnivores.
Action: Please contact your state Senator and urge him or her to support HB 1288 and SB 832.
Tennessee: SB 1322 & HB 1438 Bans the Public Sale of Animals along Streets
Update: This bill is still active but it stalled in committee. Your support is still needed.
Bill Description: If this bill passes, it will make it a Class B fine only offense if someone is found selling live animals on public streets, parks or for businesses to offer live animals as prize or for promotion purposes. This bill would place a safeguard on the sale of animals at flea markets.
Action: Please contact your state Senator and urge him or her to support SB 1322 & HB 1438.
To read the full text of this bill and to track its progress visit: http://wapp.capitol.tn.gov
Pennsylvania: HB 239 Reduces Safety Zone for Trapping
Update: This bill is still active but is not moving. Last action was March 10, 2009 it was re-committed to APPROPRIATIONS
Bill Description: If this bill passes, there will be a reduced “safety zone” for trapping. This bill allows for trapping within 50 yards of residences.
Action: Please contact your state Senator and urge him or her to oppose HB 239
Michigan: HB 5762 Bans the Ownership of Primates as Pets
Update: The language of the bill is being revised but the bill is still active although no hearing has been set.
Bill Description: If this bill passes, it will be illegal to own any type of primate as a pet.
Action: Please contact your state Senator and urge him or her to support HB 5762
Indiana: SB 280 Changes the Class for Releasing Animals
Update: Unfortunately this bill has died but may be reintroduced next year.
Bill Description: If this bill passes, it will make it a Class C misdemeanor to release an exotic pet or wild animal pet into the wild.
Action: Please contact your state Senator and urge him or her to support SB 280
Georgia: SB 303 Requires a Permit to own Pythons and Anacondas
Update: Unfortunately this bill has died.
Bill Description: If this bill passes, the state will require people who wish to own Pythons or Anacondas to hold a permit.
Action: Please contact your state Senator and urge him or her to support SB 303.
